MLB Player News

Soroka didn't factor into the decision against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, giving up one earned run on four hits over six innings, striking out four and walking three as the Braves fell 3-2 in 10 innings.

It was another strong effort from the right-hander, but he ultimately settled for a no-decision in this low-scoring contest. Soroka has been lights-out in his five starts to begin the season, as this outing gives him a 1.21 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP over 29.2 innings. So far, the 21-year-old is showing why he was one of Atlanta's most highly regarded prospects. He'll look to keep it rolling in his next start, which will see him take on the Cardinals at home on Wednesday.

Wacha (3-0) gave up four runs on nine hits, walking one batter and striking out a pair in 5.2 innings to earn the win versus Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Wacha was victimized by a trio of Gregory Polanco run-producing hits -- including the only ball to leave the yard in the high-scoring matchup -- but managed to stick around long enough to earn his third victory of the year. It has been an up-and-down season for the Cardinals hurler, as he has yet to take a loss despite failing to complete six innings in five of his seven starts. He'll carry a 5.35 ERA and 1.65 WHIP into his next start against Atlanta on Wednesday.

Musgrove (1-4) lasted only three innings and took the loss against the Cardinals on Thursday, giving up eight runs on six hits and five walks while striking out three.

The big righty had nothing working in this one, as his pitches got knocked around the park when he managed to get them across the plate. The five walks were easily a season high -- he had not given up more than two in any of his previous appearances. After beginning the season with five consecutive quality starts, Musgrove has now been shelled in his last two outings to the tune of 13 earned runs in 5.2 innings. He'll try to turn things around in his next scheduled start Tuesday in Arizona.

Freeland allowed five runs (three earned) on four hits and four walks while striking out three across five innings on Thursday against the Giants. He did not factor into the decision.

Freeland imploded in the fifth inning by allowing three runs, though his defense behind him didn't help by committing two errors in the frame. While he entered the inning having allowed only two earned runs, he hadn't been particularly sharp in surrendering three free passes and allowing a two-run home run to Tyler Austin. Though this start came at Coors Field, Freeland hasn't pitched well on the road either, posting only one quality start -- which came against Miami on Opening Day -- in four chances. He'll look to improve on his 5.84 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in his next start, though he'll draw a tough Boston lineup at Fenway Park.

Darvish allowed one earned run on one hit and six walks while striking out seven across four innings Thursday against the Marlins. He did not factor into decision.

Darvish struggled with his command once again, finding the zone on only 50 of his 97 pitches. That caused an early exit, costing him a win despite leaving the game with a lead. More positively, he did continue to rack up strikeouts at a strong rate and now 44 has punchouts across 36.2 innings for the season. Overall, he'll need to work more efficiently as he has managed to pitch deeper than five innings only three times in eight starts this season. He'll look to improve on his 8.1 BB/9 in his next start Wednesday at Cincinnati.

Fried (hand) threw a bullpen session without any setbacks Thursday, and he remains in line to start Sunday against the Diamondbacks, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Fried's last outing was cut short, as he was forced to leave the game after getting drilled on his pitching hand by a comebacker in the second inning. However, he managed to avoid a significant injury, and after looking strong in Thursday's side session, he isn't expected to miss his next turn through the rotation

Walker (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Jack Magruder of The Sports Xchange reports.

Walker continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in April of 2018. The right-hander was recently able to throw in an extended spring training game, and he could be ready to rejoin the big-league rotation sometime over summer if he continues to progress without any setbacks.

Manager Mike Shildt said Martinez (shoulder) could be ready to return in 10-to-14 days, David Solomon of 590 The Fan reports.

Martinez looked good during his second rehab appearance Wednesday -- and first for Triple-A Memphis -- firing 23 pitches and recording one strikeout in a scoreless inning of relief. The right-hander was apparently sitting around 95-98 mph with his fastball. He'll likely need to make a handful more appearances with Memphis before being cleared to rejoin the the big club, but if everything goes as planned, Martinez could be back with the Cardinals as early as May 21, when the Cardinals begin a two-game series against the Royals.

Matz (forearm) is expected to rejoin the rotation May 16 against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Matz was placed on the injured list Thursday with a nerve issue in his left forearm, though his stay on the shelf isn't expected to last much longer than the 10-day minimum. Barring any setbacks, the southpaw should be ready to rejoin the rotation after missing just one turn. With an off day Monday, the Mets figure to shift their rotation up a day to accommodate Matz's slightly later-than-expected return.

Matz (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.

Matz is dealing with a nerve issue in his left forearm. The move is retroactive to May 5, so Matz will be eligible to return as early as next Wednesday, should he prove ready. With an off day Monday, the Mets won't need a fifth starter until May 18, at which point Matz may be ready to come off the injured list. Dominic Smith was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.